North Suncoast: Wrestling preview

By DEREK J. L a RIVIERE
Published January 30, 2008

Class 3A, District 9

Today, St. Petersburg High. First round, 10 a.m.; finals, 3 p.m.

Teams: Mitchell, Countryside, East Lake, Largo, Pinellas Park, Palm Harbor University, Riverview, St. Petersburg, Sarasota

Outlook:Mitchell finished seventh in the district last season with only 56 points. The bright spot for the Mustangs was Jessey Lorentsen's district title at 171. He looks to repeat as district champ and is ranked fourth in Class 3A at 171, according Scout.com. Heavyweight Thomas Doman looks like a contender for district gold.

Match to watch: Jessey Lorentsen (Mitchell) vs. Corey McDaniel (East Lake), 171 pounds

Class 2A, District 5

Saturday at Ridgewood. First round, 11 a.m.; finals, 4 p.m.

Teams: Springstead, Central, Dunedin, Ridgewood, River Ridge, Wesley Chapel, South Lake, Tarpon Springs, Land O'Lakes

Outlook: Springstead has dominated this district the past three seasons, and 2008 doesn't look like it will be any different. Eight Eagles are favorites to win the district title in their weight classes, including Dustin Soto (103 pounds), Schuyler Swanton (112), Skylar Huff (119), C.J. Cook (125), Steven Bliss (130), Thad Klenovich (152), Cesar Acosta (189) and Carlos Ramirez (275). Two seasons ago, the Eagles advanced all 14 to regionals.

River Ridge and Dunedin look to be the Eagles' biggest competition. Central's Vince Ramirez, if healthy, will begin his run toward state. He's facing a possible rematch with Dunedin's Derek Herring, who beat him 10-9 in last season's district finals.

Match to watch: Dean Stupar (Ridgewood) vs. Schuyler Swanton (Springstead), 112 pounds

Class A, District 5

Saturday at Crystal River. First round, 10 a.m.; finals, 5 p.m.

Teams: Hernando, Nature Coast, Citrus, Crystal River, Dunnellon, The Villages, Lecanto, North Marion Trinity Catholic, West Port

Outlook:Citrus should again dominate. Last season, the Hurricanes hosted the district tournament and edged Hernando in the points standings (230-205). Though the Leopards are a deeper program than a year ago, the team seems destined for another runnerup finish. Look for Jesse Graham (140 pounds) and Taylor Rotunda (215) to be among Hernando's title contenders. Nature Coast finished sixth in the district last season and may have a tougher road ahead this time around.

Match to watch: Tim Ball (Hernando) vs. Kevin Drawdy (Crystal River), 152 pounds

Class A, District 6

Saturday at Pasco. First round, 10 a.m.; finals, 3 p.m.

Teams: Pasco, Gulf, Hudson, Wiregrass Ranch, Zephyrhills, Sunlake, Lake Highland Prep, Agape Christian, Jones, Bishop Moore

Outlook:Gulf edged Pasco last season (155.5-148). This season is shaping up to be another dogfight for the district crown. Pasco comes into the postseason with Ray Perez (189) as the top-ranked wrestler in his weight class in Class A, according to Scout.com. The Pirates' other threats include Vidal Jimenez (103) and Eric Stroud (215). Gulf's Jordan Holding is ranked second in Class A at 130, and Josh Prysbysz (140) and Jarod Carpenter (103) will make waves for the Bucs.

Hudson's Devin Brown (171), William Bentley (189) and Travis Tindell (275) have state title aspirations. Last season, Bentley upset Perez in the district finals before Perez went on to qualify for state.

Match to watch: Ray Perez (Pasco) vs. William Bentley (Hudson), 189 pounds

[Last modified January 29, 2008, 21:04:50]